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One of Northern Ireland's biggest entertainment events has been scrapped this year, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
The annual beach party at Portrush, which attracts tens of thousands of revellers to the seaside resort, will not go ahead this year after promoters failed to find a suitable headlining act for the event - one of the highlights of the North Coast's summer calendar.
Last year, the beach party - located at the East Strand in Portrush - played host to headlining act Basement Jaxx and in 2006, organisers managed to secure the services of world famous DJ Fatboy Slim, who took to the massive stage at the first ever Portrush beach party.
However, event promoter Gary McGuigan has confirmed the award-winning event is taking a break this year.
He explained: "We have very high standards in relation to the acts that we book for this prestige event.
"This year unfortunately there was a lack of something appropriate in the short pre-summer season window in which it is possible for us to utilise the East Strand site."
So rather than lower those standards we have decided to take a break until next year.
"It is in a way opportune, as the logistics of putting everything together in such a location is a big commitment on our part, and indeed for all those who work with us locally to assist the smooth operation of the event.
"The placement of the event within the heart of a seaside community at this period of the year requires the significant time and goodwill of so many in the area, and places demands on the local community, so we are aware that giving everyone some space when these outside factors contribute is a good thing all round."
And he added: "We are thankful to all concerned for their efforts and patience, and indeed acceptance and welcome over the past couple of years in Portrush. But we came to the conclusion that rather than putting on an event with which we were not fully happy it was better that the site and everyone who helped to make it a success took a deserved break this year."
UUP MLA David McClarty said: "I am disappointed that the beach party isn't going ahead because the Portrush is Northern Ireland's premiere tourist destination and it is expected that events like this are held to attract more holidaymakers.
"The previous beach parties have attracted upwards of 20,000 people who take up bed spaces and spend a considerable amount of money. The council needs to put its head together and think up some way to try and compensate the local hotels, guesthouse owners and retailers and I would be confident we can do that."
Director of leisure service at Coleraine Borough Council Jim Curry said while he was disappointed by the decision, he understood the position of the promoter.
